Communication Techniques Activity Sheet

Objective

To practice and apply effective communication techniques that enhance understanding and interaction.

Instructions

1. Pair Up: Find a partner to work with for this activity.
2. Practice Each Technique: Take turns practicing each communication technique listed below. Use the prompts provided to guide your conversation.
3. Reflect: After practicing each technique, discuss with your partner how it felt and what you learned.

Technique 1: "I" Statements

• Purpose: To express feelings and needs without blaming others.
• Prompt: "I feel ___ when ___ because ___. I need ___."
• Example: "I feel upset when you interrupt me because it makes me feel unheard. I need you to let me finish speaking."

Practice Here:

Technique 2: Paraphrasing

• Purpose: To show understanding by restating what the other person has said.
• Prompt: "So what you're saying is..."
• Example: "So what you're saying is you feel overwhelmed with the amount of homework."

Practice Here:

Technique 3: Non-Verbal Cues

• Purpose: To enhance communication through body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
• Prompt: Use eye contact, nodding, and open body posture to show you are listening.
• Example: Maintain eye contact and nod while your partner speaks.

Practice Here:

Reflection

• Discuss with your partner:
  • Which technique was easiest for you to use? Why?
  • Which technique was most challenging? Why?
  • How did these techniques change the way you communicated?

Reflection Notes:
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Context Analysis Scenarios

Objective

To develop the ability to analyze social situations and understand the importance of context in communication, especially with unfamiliar people.

Instructions

1. Group Work: Divide into small groups to discuss each scenario.
2. Analyze the Scenario: Consider the context, the people involved, and the possible outcomes.
3. Share and Reflect: Present your group's analysis to the class and discuss different perspectives.

Scenario 1: The New Classmate

• Situation: A new student, Alex, joins the class and seems shy. You want to make them feel welcome but aren't sure how to start a conversation.
• Questions for Discussion:
  • What might Alex be feeling in this situation?
  • How can you approach Alex to make them feel comfortable?
  • Why is it important to be aware of Alex's body language?

Group Notes:
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Scenario 2: The School Event

• Situation: At a school event, you are paired with someone you don't know well for a group activity.
• Questions for Discussion:
  • What challenges might arise in this situation?
  • How can you use communication techniques to work effectively with your partner?
  • What role does active listening play in this scenario?

Group Notes:
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Scenario 3: The Community Service Project

• Situation: During a community service project, you need to collaborate with volunteers from different schools.
• Questions for Discussion:
  • What strategies can help you communicate with people you haven't met before?
  • How can understanding the context of the project help in communication?
  • Why is it important to be open and adaptable in this situation?

Group Notes:
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Reflection

• Discuss as a class:
  • Which scenario was the most challenging to analyze? Why?
  • How did considering the context change your understanding of the situation?
  • What did you learn about the importance of context in communication with unfamiliar people?

Class Reflection Notes:
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Active Listening Game Instructions

Objective

To practice and enhance active listening skills, which are crucial for effective communication and understanding.

Game Setup

1. Pair Up: Students should pair up with a partner.
2. Role Assignment: One student will be the "Speaker" and the other will be the "Listener."
3. Topic Selection: The "Speaker" chooses a topic they are interested in or something they want to share (e.g., a hobby, a recent experience).

Game Rules

• Speaker's Role:
  • Talk about the chosen topic for 2 minutes.
  • Focus on expressing thoughts and feelings clearly.
• Listener's Role:
  • Use active listening techniques such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, and paraphrasing.
  • Avoid interrupting the speaker.
  • After the speaker finishes, summarize what was said to show understanding.

Reflection and Switch

1. Reflection: After the first round, both partners discuss:

   • How did it feel to be listened to?
   • What active listening techniques were most effective?
   • How did the listener's behavior affect the speaker's comfort and willingness to share?

2. Switch Roles: After reflection, switch roles and repeat the process.

Class Debrief

• Discussion Questions:
  • What did you learn about the importance of active listening?
  • How can active listening improve communication in everyday situations?
  • Share any challenges faced during the exercise and how they were overcome.

Debrief Notes:
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